On this day, August 27, 2017: It was one of the classic India chases where they were in early trouble and recovered to win the match. In the third ODI against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, India sealed a six-wicket victory and took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat. They started well but never found real momentum. Lahiru Thirimanne top-scored with a patient 80 off 105 balls while Dinesh Chandimal scored 36. The rest of the batting struggled against disciplined bowling. Jasprit Bumrah was the star with the ball, picking up his first five-wicket haul in ODIs with figures of 5 for 27. Sri Lanka managed to score 217 for 9 in their 50 overs.
During the chase, India’s reply began poorly. They were in early trouble at 19 for 2 and later were reduced to 61 for 4. Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul all fell cheaply as India were under huge pressure. At that point the target of 218 looked far from straightforward and it was a tough chase. This is when two of India's senior most players stood up and steered the chase.
Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni took complete control. Rohit played with typical flair and elegance, finishing unbeaten on 124 off 145 balls with 16 fours and two sixes. Dhoni, in his familiar finishing role, remained not out on 67 off 86 deliveries. The pair put on an unbroken 157-run partnership for the fifth wicket and helped India home in 45.1 overs at 218 for 4.
It was a stunning partnership which helped India get the win and also seal the series. Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his match-defining spell. The win extended India’s dominance over Sri Lanka in bilateral ODI series. This is one of the most memorable matches for India.
